Parent's rights for the victim of sexual crimes

[Florence Mills]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Missouri

Our 14 year old grandson has sexually molested our 3 year old granddaughter. His trial is next week and he's being charged with a Class C Felony. His parents are being allowed into the courtroom, but her's aren't. Why is that? Do they not have the right to know the outcome of this trial?

 

[stealth2]

Are they going to be testifying?

 

[Florence Mills]

The mother will be testifying, but not the father of the victim.

 

[stealth2]

That's probably why they can't be in the courtroom. They could ask the DA if they'd be allowed in after Mom's done testifying.

 

[Florence Mills]

Thank you. They'll be meeting with her (the Juvenile PA) tomorrow before the trial. I've read the confidentiality laws regarding juveniles, but I would think the parents of the victim would have the right to be there, if for no other reason, to see how the case is being tried on their daughter's behalf. This is the first time we've been involved with the legal system, but it really does seem that the victim has FAR less rights than the accused. I'm very disappointed in our legal system right now. Being "in the middle", I've seen both sides and I can truthfully say, it's extremely one sided.

 

[stealth2]

It has less to do with their rights and more to do with the DA wanting to make sure that there is no way anyone can claim that Mom's testimony was tainted. They want to be sure that they can get a conviction - that will serve the victim better than the parents being able to sit through the entire case, IMO.

 

[Florence Mills]

I can definitely see the logic in that. I wonder if that's also the reason the victim's parents haven't been allowed to view the evidence, i.e. the taped statement the little girl gave to a Play Specialist or her report. The defending lawyer and the boy's family have been able to view that. Of course, neither of the boy's parents will be called to testify, either.